08-January-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

TIBET EARTHQUAKE AND SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN THE HIMALAYAN REGION

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The recent earthquake in Tibet highlights the Himalayan region’s vulnerability to seismic events due to ongoing tectonic activity. This region lies at the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone zones.

Key Details of the Tibet Earthquake

• Magnitude and Impact:
  • Measured around 7 on the Richter scale.
  • Epicenter located 75 km northeast of Mount Everest, close to Nepal.
  • Resulted in 95 fatalities and over 1,000 damaged houses.
• Historical Context: The region has experienced 10 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher over the past century.

About Earthquakes

• Cause of Earthquakes: Earthquakes occur due to movement along faults in the Earth’s tectonic plates. Friction along the plate edges creates stress, which, when released, causes seismic waves and ground shaking.
• Tectonic Plate Movements: Plates move due to convection currents in the Earth’s mantle caused by temperature and pressure variations.

Why the Himalayan Region is Seismically Active

• Plate Collision: Formed 40-50 million years ago from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. This collision caused land uplifting, creating the Himalayan range.
• Continued Plate Movement: The Indian plate slides under the Eurasian plate at a rate of 40-50 mm/year, leading to ongoing tectonic stress.
• Faultlines and Subduction: Multiple faultlines and subduction zones, like the Eurasian plate beneath the Pamir mountains, intensify seismicity.

Future Risks in the Region

• Stored Energy: Significant elastic energy is trapped along faultlines, potentially leading to a massive earthquake (magnitude 8+).
• Historical Evidence: Only two Himalayan earthquakes in the past 500 years ruptured to the surface, indicating unrelieved stress.
• High-Risk Zones: The western Himalayas are considered one of the most dangerous seismic zones globally.

Conclusion

The Himalayan region’s geological structure makes it highly susceptible to major earthquakes. Preparedness and understanding seismic risks are crucial to mitigating potential damage and loss of life.

Practice Question:

1. Consider the following statements
2. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates began around 50 million years ago, leading to the uplift of the Himalayan Mountain range.
3. The Indian plate is continuously moving northward, causing the Eurasian plate to subduct beneath it, leading to frequent seismic activity in the region.
4. Earthquakes in the Himalayan region are primarily caused by the movement of the Indian plate beneath the Eurasian plate along various faultlines.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

The Himalayas formed about 50 million years ago due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The Indian plate moves northward, causing the Eurasian plate to be pushed down, leading to earthquakes in the region Earthquakes in the Himalayas happen because of the movement of the Indian plate beneath the Eurasian plate along various faultlines.

WINTER STORM IN THE US: HOW IS THE POLAR VORTEX RESPONSIBLE FOR IT?

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: INDIAN EXPRESS

A recent winter storm in the United States, affecting 60 million people, has been caused by the expansion of the polar vortex. This phenomenon is responsible for extreme cold and severe weather conditions.

What is the Polar Vortex?

The polar vortex is a large mass of cold, low-pressure air that rotates around the poles of Earth.

It exists in two layers:

• Tropospheric polar vortex: Found in the lower atmosphere (up to 10-15 km).
• Stratospheric polar vortex: Located higher in the atmosphere (15-50 km).
• The stratospheric vortex is strongest during autumn and disappears in summer.

How Does the Polar Vortex Cause Extreme Cold?

• The polar vortex typically keeps cold Arctic air trapped near the poles.
• When the vortex weakens or shifts, it allows cold air to move south, affecting regions far from the poles, such as the US.
• A strong vortex keeps the jet stream stable, but a weak vortex causes the jet stream to become wavy, pushing cold air south.
• This leads to unusually cold weather, including severe snowstorms and freezing temperatures.

Is Global Warming Affecting the Polar Vortex?

• Researchers are studying the link between global warming and the behavior of the polar vortex.
• As the poles warm faster than other regions, the polar vortex may weaken, making it easier for cold air to escape.
• A weakened vortex is more susceptible to disruptions, allowing Arctic weather to affect regions further south, such as parts of the US and Europe.
• The interaction between warming temperatures and the jet stream is thought to make the polar vortex more unstable.

Conclusion:
The polar vortex plays a crucial role in cold weather patterns, and its behaviour may be increasingly influenced by climate change, causing more frequent disruptions.

Practice Question:

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Polar Vortex?

1. The polar vortex is a large area of cold, low-pressure air that circulates around both of Earth’s polar regions.
2. The stratospheric polar vortex is the strongest during the summer and weakens during winter.
3. A weakening or disruption of the polar vortex can lead to extreme cold weather conditions in regions far from the poles.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

The polar vortex is a large area of low-pressure, cold air that circulates around both Earth’s polar regions. It is typically found at the poles and plays a key role in weather patterns.

The stratospheric polar vortex is the strongest during autumn and winter and weakens during spring and summer. It does not become stronger in the summer.

When the polar vortex weakens or is displaced, it can lead to the migration of cold Arctic air southward. This disruption can bring extremely cold weather to regions far from the poles, including parts of the US, Europe, and Asia.

STATE OF INDIAN ECONOMY IN REGARD TO GDP ESTIATES

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India’s GDP estimates for FY25 highlight the state of its economic growth and the challenges it faces, including slower growth and the impact of inflation. The report presents both nominal and real GDP figures, offering insight into the country’s economic trajectory.

Key Points on India’s GDP Estimates:

Nominal GDP Forecast:

• India’s nominal GDP for FY25 is projected to be Rs 324 lakh crore, marking a 9.7% growth from the previous year (FY24).
• At an exchange rate of 85 rupees to a dollar, India’s GDP in dollar terms is expected to be $3.8 trillion.
• Impact of exchange rate: If the exchange rate had not depreciated from 61 rupees to a dollar since 2014, India’s GDP would have been closer to $5 trillion today.

Real GDP Growth:

• Real GDP (adjusted for inflation) is estimated at Rs 184.9 lakh crore for FY25, making up 57% of the nominal GDP.
• The remaining portion reflects the effect of inflation, indicating the role of rising prices in nominal GDP growth.
• Slower growth in real GDP: Since FY20, India’s real GDP growth has been sluggish, averaging a CAGR of 4.8%, far below the 7% average since the 1991 economic reforms.

Slowdown in Economic Growth:

• Growth rate deceleration: India’s economic output is still growing, but at a slower pace than before, indicating a deceleration in the growth rate.
• Between FY20 and FY24, India’s GDP growth slowed considerably compared to earlier years.
• The CAGR of real GDP since FY20 (4.8%) contrasts with the previous average growth rate of 7%, signaling challenges in sustaining rapid growth.

Components of GDP Growth:

• Private Consumption (PFCE): Accounts for around 60% of India’s GDP. Low growth (4.8% CAGR since FY20) in this sector affects overall GDP expansion.
• Government Spending (GFCE): The smallest contributor (10% of GDP) has grown slowly, only 4.2% in the current year.
• Investment (GFCF): Expenditure on expanding productive capacity is rising but at a slower rate (5.3% annual CAGR), indicating low investment confidence.
• Net Exports: India typically imports more than it exports, but the gap between imports and exports has narrowed in recent years.

Challenges to Sustaining High Growth:

• Slower private consumption: A key driver of GDP, if not growing at a healthy rate, hinders business investment.
• Stagnant investment: With low private consumption growth, businesses remain cautious, impacting the growth in investment.
• Government spending: While the government can inject funds into the economy, its impact has been limited in recent years, with average annual growth in government expenditure being just 3.1% since 2019.

GDP

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a specific period (usually a year). It helps measure the size and health of an economy.

Types of GDP:

• Nominal GDP: This is the total value of goods and services at current market prices, including inflation.
• Real GDP: It adjusts nominal GDP for inflation, providing a more accurate measure of a country’s economic growth over time.

GDP Components: GDP is calculated by adding up four key components:

• Consumption: Spending by households on goods and services.
• Investment: Spending by businesses on capital goods like machinery and factories.
• Government Spending: Expenditure by the government on public services and infrastructure.
• Net Exports: The difference between a country’s exports and imports.

The formula for calculating GDP is:

·       GDP = C + I + G + (X – M)

Where:

• C = Consumption: The total spending by households on goods and services.
• I = Investment: The spending on business investments such as machinery, buildings, and inventories.
• G = Government Spending: The total government expenditure on public goods and services.
• X = Exports: The value of goods and services produced domestically and sold abroad.
• M = Imports: The value of goods and services bought from foreign countries.

The difference between exports (X) and imports (M) is called Net Exports (X – M). If a country imports more than it exports, the value will be negative, which can reduce GDP.

Conclusion:

India’s GDP growth presents a mixed picture. While the economy is growing, the pace is slower than before, highlighting challenges in consumption and investment. The country needs stronger economic drivers to achieve sustainable growth and reach the $5 trillion target.

Practice Question:

1. Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between economic output and overall well-being?

1. An increase in economic output necessarily ensures a rise in the standard of living for all citizens.
2. Higher economic output may result in uneven distribution of wealth, with certain sections of society benefiting more than others.
3. Economic output growth is solely determined by government expenditure and does not depend on private consumption or investment.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

correct answer: B

Explanation:

• While higher economic output can contribute to better living standards, it does not necessarily result in equal improvements for all citizens. The benefits of increased economic output may not be equally distributed, meaning certain segments of society may not experience the same rise in living standards as others.

• Economic growth can lead to a rise in wealth, but the distribution of that wealth may be uneven. Some sectors or individuals may benefit more than others, which can increase inequality in society.

• Economic output is influenced by both government expenditure (public sector) and private consumption and investment (private sector). A balanced contribution from both sectors is essential for sustained economic growth.

INDIAN COFFEE EXPORTS SURGE IN 2024

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: PIB

India’s coffee exports have seen a remarkable rise in 2024, surpassing $1 billion for the first time. This growth highlights India’s increasing role in the global coffee market.

Key Drivers of Growth:

• Increase in Robusta Coffee Prices: Robusta coffee prices reached record highs due to production issues in Brazil and Vietnam. Prices peaked at $4,667 per metric ton in 2023, reflecting a 63% rise.
• European Stockpiling: Anticipation of stricter European Union regulations on deforestation led to stockpiling, boosting exports from India. The EU’s pre-emptive stockpiling actions have played a significant role in the surge of exports.
• Premium Positioning of Indian Coffee: Indian coffee has secured a premium position in the global market, increasing profitability. Unlike tea, Indian coffee is positioned as a high-quality product in the international market.

Regional Contributions:

• Top Coffee-Producing States: Karnataka is the leading producer, contributing significantly to both Arabica and Robusta coffee. Kerala and Tamil Nadu follow as major contributors.

Global Market Dynamics:

Challenges in Brazil and Vietnam:

• Droughts in Brazil and climatic challenges in Vietnam have affected their coffee production, contributing to higher global prices.

CONCLUSION:

India’s coffee exports have surged due to rising global prices and market positioning. However, challenges like the EU’s deforestation regulation may affect future growth prospects.

SHRINKING MAOIST STRONGHOLDS BUT PERSISTENT THREATS

TOPIC: (GS3) SEQURITY: THE HINDU

Maoist activity has significantly declined over the years, with their geographical influence shrinking. However, recent deadly attacks highlight that they remain a potent threat in some regions.

Current Situation

• In January 2025, nine security personnel were killed in Chhattisgarh, surpassing a third of last year’s death toll.
• On January 8, eight personnel died in a vehicle explosion caused by an IED in Bijapur.
• The last major attack of this scale was in April 2023, when 10 District Reserve Guard personnel and a civilian were killed in Dantewada.

Historical Incidents

• The deadliest Maoist attack occurred in April 2010, when 76 security personnel were killed in Dantewada.
• Other significant attacks:
  • March 2007: Over 50 personnel died in a police station attack.
  • April 2021: An encounter in Sukma killed 22 security personnel.
• Large-scale casualty incidents have decreased over the past decade, but recent attacks highlight lingering threats.

Geographical Influence

• The Bastar region in south Chhattisgarh, particularly Bijapur, remains a Maoist stronghold.
• Between 2020-2025, nearly 30% of left-wing extremism-related deaths in Chhattisgarh occurred in Bijapur, with 65% reported from neighboring districts like Sukma, Dantewada, and Narayanpur.
• Incidents in other states, including Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, have sharply declined.

Casualties Over the Years

• In 2024, Chhattisgarh accounted for nearly 80% of left-wing extremism-related deaths nationwide.
• 2022 witnessed the lowest number of security personnel deaths (15), while 2024 saw 24 fatalities.
• Civilian casualties and insurgent deaths remain low overall. In 2024, 296 Maoists were killed, marking it as the third deadliest year for insurgents.

Factors Behind Decline

• Security Operations: Increased paramilitary and state police actions have weakened Maoist networks.
• Community Shift: Tribal communities, historically a key support base, have distanced themselves from the Maoist cause.
• Election Trends: Decline in NOTA votes in the 2023 Chhattisgarh elections (1.3%) indicates reduced Maoist influence in affected areas.

Conclusion

While Maoist influence has significantly diminished, their presence in specific regions like Bastar continues to pose challenges. Sustained efforts are required to address their lingering capabilities and prevent further casualties.

UGC’S NEW DEGREE PROGRAMMES: FLEXIBILITY AND CHALLENGES

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new degree formats—accelerated and extended programmes to make higher education in India more flexible. These reforms aim to align with global standards and promote student autonomy while facing significant challenges.

Key Features of the New Programmes

• Accelerated Degree Programme: Students can complete their undergraduate degrees in a shorter time. Benefits include quicker entry into the workforce and savings on tuition fees.
• Extended Degree Programme: Students can take additional time to complete their studies. This option allows exploration of diverse subjects, internships, and research while balancing academics with personal goals.

Advantages of the Reforms

• Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Promotes multidisciplinary education aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. Graduates develop both technical knowledge and soft skills, boosting innovation and creativity.
• Global Competitiveness: Aligns Indian higher education with international standards, improving mobility for students in India and abroad.
• Personalised Education: Flexible credit systems enable students to progress at their own pace, tailoring their education to career goals and interests.

Challenges Associated with the Programmes

• Quality of Education: Accelerated programmes may compromise the depth of learning and practical exposure. Extended programmes may lead to a lack of urgency among students, reducing degree value.
• Difficulties in Technical Education: Engineering and other specialised fields require in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience. Compressed timelines risk oversimplifying technical learning, affecting problem-solving skills.
• Resource Constraints: Universities face challenges in restructuring curricula, managing credit systems, and adapting teaching methods. Increased reliance on digital platforms may widen the digital divide.

Equity and Implementation Concerns

• Access for Underprivileged Students: Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may struggle to adapt to the system without adequate support.
• Faculty Training: Teachers need professional development to adopt flexible and interdisciplinary teaching methods.

Way Forward

• Strategic planning and investment are essential to address these challenges.
• Universities must focus on inclusivity, recruit skilled faculty, and ensure robust administrative systems.
• Proper implementation can create a dynamic education system aligned with India’s development goals for 2047.

KARNATAKA HC STRIKES DOWN CENTRE’S ELECTRICITY RULES

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Karnataka High Court has invalidated the Centre’s Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Rules, 2022, stating that the Centre lacks legislative authority to frame these rules under the Electricity Act, 2003. The rules were introduced to promote renewable energy and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

Background

• Purpose of GEOA Rules, 2022: Aimed to promote the generation, purchase, and consumption of renewable energy, including waste-to-energy sources.

• Framed to meet India’s international climate commitments for net-zero emissions by 2070.

• Centre’s Legislative Basis: The rules were framed under Section 176(2) of the Electricity Act, 2003, citing residual powers.

Court’s Observations

• Legislative Competence: The High Court ruled that regulating open access for electricity lies under the exclusive jurisdiction of State Electricity Commissions, as per Sections 42(2) and 181 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
• Impact on State Regulations: The Karnataka High Court also invalidated the Karnataka Regulatory Commission’s Green Energy Open Access Regulations, 2022, as they were based on the invalid GEOA Rules, 2022.

Key Judgments

• Wheeling and Banking Agreements: The decision came in response to petitions by hydropower companies with existing wheeling and banking agreements. These companies argued that the GEOA Rules encroached on their agreements and State powers.
• International Climate Commitments: The court clarified that commitments like achieving net-zero emissions do not justify bypassing legislative boundaries.

Implications

• Centre’s Limitations: The judgment highlights the Centre’s inability to regulate open access without legislative amendments.
• State Authority Reinforced: State Electricity Commissions retain exclusive authority over open access regulations.

Conclusion

The Karnataka High Court’s verdict underscores the importance of legislative competence and reinforces the role of State Commissions in managing electricity transmission and regulations.

WHY IS THERE A DROP IN SCHOOL ENROLMENTS?

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Recent data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) reports a significant drop in school enrolments in India between 2018-19 and 2023-24. Changes in data collection methods and other systemic issues are highlighted as potential reasons

Key Findings on Enrolment Decline

• Significant Reduction in Numbers: Enrolment fell from 26.3 crore in 2018-19 to 24.8 crore in 2023-24, a 6% drop (1.22 crore fewer students).
• This decline marks a sharp change in trends observed since UDISE+ data collection began in 2012-13.
• Government School Impact: A notable decrease in enrolments in government schools was observed, but reasons remain unclear.

Reasons for the Decline

• Change in Methodology: From 2022-23, student-level data, including Aadhaar numbers, was collected to eliminate duplicate or inflated enrolments.
• Earlier, inflated figures might have been reported to secure additional funding for incentives like scholarships and free meals.
• Overestimation in Past Data: Experts suggest prior data overestimated enrolments by 5-6%, reflecting an artificial inflation in student numbers.

Other Contributing Factors

• Reduction in Number of Schools: Total schools recorded under UDISE+ decreased by 87,012 between 2017-18 and 2023-24, with 76,883 of these being government schools.

• Mergers and closures are speculated, but compliance with Right to Education norms is uncertain.
• Most Affected States: Jammu & Kashmir (-4,509 schools), Assam (-4,229), Uttar Pradesh (-2,967), Madhya Pradesh (-2,170), and Maharashtra (-1,368).
• Longer distances to schools due to closures have discouraged re-enrolments, contributing to dropouts.

Challenges and Unanswered Questions

• Funding and Utilization: Lack of clarity on whether resources allocated for inflated enrolments were utilized effectively. In 2024-25, the allocation under the Samagra Shiksha scheme rose to ₹37,010 crore despite the enrolment dip.
• Gaps in Data Interpretation: Despite changes in methodology, the UDISE+ reports lack detailed explanations for declining enrolments and school closures.

SAMAGRA SHIKSHA SCHEME

Integrated Education Approach

• Launched in 2018, the scheme integrates key education programs (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education) to improve access, equity, and quality of education from preschool to Class 12.

Focus on Holistic Development

• It emphasizes inclusive and equitable education, digital learning, vocational training, and infrastructure development, ensuring every child receives quality education.

Funding and Support

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme with financial support shared between the Central and State governments, aiming to improve school outcomes through better teacher training, resources, and student incentives like scholarships and free textbooks.

Way forward:

• Improving Access and Affordability: Provide free or subsidized education, transportation, and necessary materials to make schooling accessible to all children, particularly in rural or underprivileged areas.
• Community Awareness and Engagement: Launch awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of education, while involving local communities in promoting school attendance and addressing cultural or social barriers.

Conclusion

The enrolment decline highlights the need for robust and transparent data collection, accountability in resource utilization, and adherence to Right to Education norms to ensure all children access education.